Pelatihan Penulisan Artikel Berbahasa Inggris Untuk Jurnal Internasional Universitas Esa Unggul6 Mei 2015

Overview

• Task of writing a research paper can be daunting

• Even with groundbreaking research, unless the paper is correctly written:

– at best, publication will be delayed

– at worse, never published

A paper can be no better than the research that it reports

• Does the research address an important unanswered question?

• Is the question of broad enough interest?

• Are the methods appropriate?

• Have ethical standards been met?

• Are the results well enough documented?

• Are the conclusions reasonable?

• Is the paper well written?

Some questions that Editors and Peer Reviewers consider

• The purpose of scientific writing is to communicate new scientific findings

• Thus it has to be clear, simple and well orderedcommunication to transmit new scientific findings

• Scientific writing must use proper English which gives the sense in the fewest short words

What is Scientific Writing ?

An accepted original scientific publication containing scientific information to enable peers:

1. To assess observations

2. To repeat experiments

3. To evaluate intellectual processes

4. Must have an impact

5. Available to scientific community without restriction

6. Available for regular screening by one or more of the major recognized secondary services (Biological abstracts, Index Medicus, Pub Med etc…)

Definition of Scientific Paper

Section Purpose

Title Clearly describes core contents

Authors Ensures recognition for the writer(s)

Abstract Summarize the major elements

Keywords Ensures the article is correctly identified in abstracting and indexing services

Introduction Provides context and rationale problem

Materials Describes the experimental design so it is reproducible

Methods Describes the experimental procedures

Results Summarize the findings without interpretation

Discussion Interpret the findings and implications

Summary (some journals) Summarize the findings

Acknowledgements Ensures those who helped in the research are recognized

References Ensures previously published works is recognized

Appendices (some journals) Provides supplemental data for the expert reader

Essential Parts of a Scientific paper

the advertisement for the article

• Extremely important→ searching, abstracting, and indexing databases

• It should be accurate, simple, and attractive

• It should be meaningful and not general

• It should be concise, specific and informative

• It should capture the fundamental nature of the experiments and findings

The Title

• A good title is defined as the fewest possible words that adequately describe the contents of the paper.

• Titles should neither be too short nor too long as to be meaningless

• Describes the paper’s content clearly and precisely including keywords

• Syntax (word order) must be very carefully considered

• Make a list of the most important keywords

• Think of a title that contains these words

• The title could state the conclusion of the paper

• Be very careful of the grammatical errors due to faulty word order

• Avoid the use of phrases; Using, Investigation, Study, Observation, Novel, Facile, etc.

• Think, rethink of the title before submitting the paper

Tips preparing the Title

Examples

• An important part of the paper– Relatively widely read

– Used to decide whether to read the rest of the paper

– Gives editors, reviewers, others a first impression

• Briefly summarizes the paper

• Should be organized like the paper (for example, in sort of a mini-IMRAD format)

• In some fields, there are structured abstracts (with standardized headings)

The Abstract

• It should not exceed 250 words

• It should be written in one paragraph

• It should be written in the past tense as it refers to work done

• Long words should be followed by its abbreviation which would be used through out the abstract and paper

• It should not cite any references (except in rare cases)

• It should never give any information or conclusion that is not stated in the paper

• Must be accurate with respect to figures quoted in the main text

Criteria of the Abstract

• Summary of manuscript (100-300 Words)– Problem investigated– Purpose of research– Methods– Results – Conclusion

• Common mistakes:– Too much background or methods information– Figures or images– References to other literature– Abbreviations or acronyms

Contents of the Abstract

• First couple of sentences should focus on what the study is about

• Avoid detailed experimental procedures and data

• Many authors write the abstract last so that it accurately reflects the content of the paper

• Don't use abbreviations or citations in the abstract

• It should be able to stand alone without any footnotes

• Keep it short and effective– Be creative in generating curiosity

Tips writing an Abstract

• Keep it simple and informative

Examples

• ToC Graphic

• Typically should be funnel-shaped, moving from general to specific

• Articles in some fields tend to have short introductions (a few paragraphs or less)

• Articles in some other fields tend to have long introductions or to also include related sections (for example, literature review, theoretical framework)

• What about introduction in your field?

The Introduction

• A common structure:– Information on importance of topic

– Highlights of relevant previous research

– Identification of unanswered question(s)

– Approach you used to seek the answer(s)

– (In some fields) your main findings

– Overall 300-500 words

– One to four paragraph

Common mistakes: Too much or not enough information Unclear purpose Lists Confusing structure First-Person anecdotes

• Clearly state the:

– Problem being investigated

– Background that explains the problem

– Reasons for conducting the research

• Summarize relevant research to provide context

• State how your work differs from published work

• Explain what other findings, if any, you are challenging or extending

• Briefly describe the experiment, hypothesis, research question(s); general experimental design or method

Writing the Introduction

• Use the present tense when referring to work that has already been published, but past tense when referring to your own study.

• Use the active voice as much as possible

• Avoid lengthy or unfocused reviews of previous research.

• Cite peer-reviewed scientific literature or scholarly reviews. Avoid general reference works such as textbooks.

• Define any specialized terms or abbreviations

General Rules

• Provides instruction on exactly how to repeat experiment:– Subjects

– Sample preparation techniques

– Sample origins

– Field site description

– Data collection protocol

– Data analysis techniques

– Any computer programs used

– Description of equipment and its use

Materials and Methods

• Common Mistakes:

– Too little information

– Information from Introduction

– Verbosity

– Results/ sources of error reported

“Author had begun to think that his methodology was too detailed”

• Provide full details so that the experiments are reproducible

If the peer reviewer has doubts that the experiments could be repeated, the manuscript will be rejected.

• Organize the methods under subheadings, with related methods described together (e.g. subjects, experimental design, Measurement of…, Ductile behavior, etc…).

• Describe the experimental design in detail

• Do not mix some of the Results in this section

• Write in the past tense

How to write the Materials and Methods section

• Must identify accurately experimental object(s)

• The source of subjects studied, number of individuals in each group used; sample, population, etc. must be clearly stated

• If human subjects are used, the criteria for selection should be described, and consent

• For chemicals used, include exact technical specifications and source or method of preparation

• Avoid the use of trade names of chemicals, generic or chemical names are preferred.

Materials

• This part of the manuscript must be clear, precise and concise → can be reproducible

• If the method is new, all details must be provided

• If the method has been previously published in a scientific journal, only the reference should be given with some identification:– e.g. “cells were broken by ultrasonic treatment as

previously described by …” is preferable than “cells were broken as previously described by …. “

• Questions such as “how” or “how much” must be answered and not left to be puzzled over

• Methods used for statistical analyses must be mentioned

Methods

• Explain how you studied the problem, identify the procedures you followed, and order these chronologically where possible

• Include the frequency of observations, what types of data were recorded, etc.

• Be precise in describing measurements and include errors of measurement or research design limits

• May include tables and figures—for example:– Flowcharts– Diagrams of apparatus– Tables of experimental conditions

Basic information to include

Example

• The purpose of this section is to summarize and illustrate the findings in an orderly and logical sequence, without interpretation

• It is the core or heart of the paper

• The text should guide the reader through the findings, stressing the major points

• Do not describe methods that have already been described in the M&M section

• Results section is written in the past tense

The Results

1. Directly in the text2. In a table3. In a figure

– All figures and tables must be accompanied by a textual presentation of the key findings

– Never have a table or figure that is not mentioned in the text.

Methods of presenting the data

Common mistakes Raw data Redundancy Discussion and interpretation of data No figures or tables Methods/materials reported.

• Present the principles, relationships, and generalizations shown by the Results

• Point out any exceptions or any lack of correlationand define unsettled points

• Show how your results and interpretations agree or contrast with previously published work (research)

• Discuss the theoretical implications of your work, and any possible practical applications.

• State your conclusions as clearly as possible• Summarize your evidence for each conclusion.

The Discussion

• Interpret results: – Did the study confirm/deny the hypothesis?– If not, did the results provide an alternative

hypothesis? What interpretation can be made?– Do results agree with other research? Sources of

error/anomalous data?– Implications of study for field– Suggestions for improvement and future research?

Common mistakes: Combined with Results

New results discussed

Broad statements

Incorrectly discussing inconclusive results

Ambiguous data sources

Missing information

• The last paragraph supports the paper’s statement/sentence and summarizes the information that is contained in the body of the paper.

• Similar to the introductory paragraph except that the summary also offers the significance of the topic(s) that were discussed.

• Four basic steps to take in writing a conclusion (the ‘4S’ model):– Step 1: Summarize your research – Step 2: Spell out your contribution– Step 3: State the limitations of your study– Step 4: Suggest potential areas of further research

The Conclusion

What is referencing? • Referencing is a standardized way of

acknowledging the sources of information and ideas that you have used in your document.

• Reference lists allow readers to investigate the subject in greater depth.

• A reference list contains only the books, articles, and web pages etc that are cited in the text of the document.

• Any papers not cited in the text should not be included.

The References

• In name and year system [Harvard system]– The reference list is arranged alphabetically by author. – If more than one item has the same author, list the

items chronologically, starting with the earliest publication.

– Each reference appears on a new line.– There is no numbering of the references

• In Citation order system [Vancouver system]

– The reference list is arranged by the number given to the citation by the order that it were mentioned in the text

• In alphabet-number system– It the same as above in addition each reference is

given a number

• BookOkuda M, Okuda D. Star Trek Chronology: The History of the

Future. New York: Pocket Books; 1993

• Journal or Magazine Article (with volume numbers)Wilcox RV. Shifting roles and synthetic women in Star trek:

the next generation. Stud Pop Culture. 1991;13:53-65

• Newspaper, Magazine or Journal Article (without volume numbers)Di Rado A. Trekking through college: classes explore modern

society using the world of Star trek. Los Angeles Times. March 15, 1995:A3

• Encyclopedia ArticleSturgeon T. Science fiction. In: Lorimer LT, editorial director;

Cummings C, ed-in-chief; Leish KW, managing ed. The Encyclopedia Americana. Vol 24. International ed. Danbury, Conn: Grolier Incorporated; 1995:390-392

• Book Article or ChapterJames NE. Two sides of paradise: the Eden myth according to Kirk and

Spock. In: Palumbo D, ed. Spectrum of the Fantastic. Westport, Conn: Greenwood; 1988:219-223

• ERIC DocumentFuss-Reineck M. Sibling Communication in Star Trek: The Next

Generation: Conflicts Between Brothers. Miami, Fla: Annual Meeting of the Speech Communication Association; 1993. ERIC Document Reproduction Service ED364932

• WebsiteLynch T. DSN trials and tribble-ations review. Psi Phi: Bradley's Science

Fiction Club Web site. 1996. Available at:http://www.bradley.edu/campusorg/psiphi/DS9/ep/503r.htm. Accessed October 8, 1997

• Journal Article on the InternetMcCoy LH. Respiratory changes in Vulcans during pon farr. J Extr Med

[serial online]. 1999;47:237-247. Available at: http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/nysl_li_liu. Accessed April 7, 1999

Ethics, Rights and Permissions

• Beware of originality and copyrights of others.• Do not copy anything without giving the credit to

the owner by referencing it.• In some cases permissions are needed• Repetitive publication of the same data is

considered plagiarism

3 recommended Be aware of the scope of the journal.

Carefully refer to the Guidelines for Author of the journal.

In some journals; sample of article are available.

“There is no way to get

experience except through

experiencing”

Resources

• P. Kamat, . “How to Write an Effective Research Paper”, available at http://www.nd.edu/~pkamat

• S. Umesha, 2011. “Publication of Research Article” [available online]

• Khadiga Gaafar, . “How to write a scientific paper” [available online]

• Barbara Gastel, . “Writing and Publishing Journal Articles“ [available online]

• Day, R.A., 1998. “How to write and publish a scientific paper,” 5th

edition, Oryx Press

• The Structured Abstract: An Essential Tool for Research, available at http://research.mlanet.org/structured_abstract.html